Animal exterminator



Nov. 24, 1942. P. MEEHAN 2,302,737 I ANIMAL EXTERMINATOR FilecfApril 50,1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 IIIJ:

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Patented Nov. 24, 1942 U N I TE D STATES T CE ANIlVIAL EXTERMINAIOR Paul Meehan, St. Louis, Mo. Application April 30, 1941, Serial No. 391,197

2 Claims.

The present invention relates to new and useful improvements in animal exterminators and has for its primary object to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a device of this character comprising novel means for killing rodents, weasels and other small animals of the pest or nuisance type by lectrocution.

Another very important object of the invention is to provide an animal exterminator of the aforementioned character having contacts of a unique construction and arrangement whereby maximum einciency in the functioning of the device will be assured.

Another important object of the invention is to provide an electric exterminator of the character described which may, if desired, be used for killing birds by electrocution.

Other objects of the invention are to provide an exterminator of the character set forth which will be comparatively simple in construction, strong, durable, highly efficient and reliable in use, compact and which may be manufactured at low cost.

All of the foregoing and still further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a study of the following specification, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like characters of reference designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a view in end elevation of an exterminator constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the device.

Figure 3 is a view in horizontal section through the device.

Figure 4 is a plan view of one of the half sections of the tube or cylinder.

Figure 5 is a plan view of one of the toothed contacts.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary view in end elevation, showing the device adapted for the killing of birds.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary view in side elevation of the embodiment shown in Figure 6.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that reference numeral I designates generally a tube or cylinder of suitable insulating material, which cylinder may be of any desired length and diameter. The cylinder I includes a pair of complemental half sections 2. The cylinder I is mounted on a suitable support 3 through the medium of a bracket 4. The bracket 4 includes a split clamp 5 on one end which encircles the cylinder I and which is clamped therearound through the medium of a bolt 6 which is equipped with a wing nut I. A bolt 8, which is mounted on the clamp 5, secures the sections 2 of the cylinder I together and also provides a post or support on which suitable bait may be mounted.

The cylinder I has formed in its end portions circumferentially extending segmental grooves or channels 9. The grooves 9 are for the reception of pairs of spaced, opposed segmental contacts II]. The contacts III are provided, on their inner edges, with pointed teeth II for assuring a good electrical connection with the feet of the animal entering the cylinder I.

It will be observed that the construction and arrangement is such that the contacts I0 bridge the joints between the sections 2 of the cylinder I. Integral conductor strips I2 connect the contacts I 0 on the opposed sides of the cylinder I. As suggested in Figure 5 of the drawings, the contacts I0 and the respective conductor strips I2 are stamped from a single sheet of suitable metal. Electric wires I3 from any suitable source of current enter the cylinder I and are connected to the conductor strips I2. If desired, a suitable electric signal may be interposed in the circuit for the purpose of indicating when said circuit is closed.

It is thought that the operation of the device will be readily apparent from a consideration of the foregoing. Briefly, the animal, attracted by the bait on the bolt 8, enters the cylinder I at either end. When the opposed contacts III or conductor strips I2 are bridged 'by the animal, thus closing the circuit, said animal is electrocuted. As hereinbefore indicated, the sharp teeth II assure good contact with the feet of the animal.

In Figures 6 and 7 of the drawings, a pair of spaced contacts in the form of elongated strips I5 of suitable metal are mounted longitudinally on the cylinder I and insulated therefrom, as at I6. The elongated contacts I5 are of arcuate cross section and rising from the longitudinal edges thereof are sharp, integral teeth II. This embodiment may be used in runways, on roofs, etc., for killing hawks, owls, pigeons and other birds.

It is believed that the many advantages of an exterminator constructed in accordance with the present invention will be readily understood and although preferred embodiments of the device are as illustrated and described, it is to be understood that further modifications and changes in the details of construction may be resorted to which will fall within the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, the cylinder I may be of resilient material and longitudinally split for 2. An exterminator of the class described commounting on ropes, etc., and any desired number prising a cylinder of insulating material open at of the elongated contacts l5 may be provided on its ends, said cylinder having circumferentially said cylinder. extending grooves in its end portions, pairs of op- What is claimed is: 5 posed electrical contacts mounted in said grooves, 1. An exterminator of the class described comone contact of each pair being spaced from the prising a cylinder of insulating material open at other contact of the pair and strips extending its ends for the entrance of an animal, said cylalong the inner surface of the cylinder with each inder including complemental half sections, abolt strip connecting a contact at one end of the cyltraversing the cylinder for securing the sections 10 inder to an opposed contact at the opposite end together and constituting a bait holder, said cylthereof and conductors connecting such strips inder having circumferentially extending grooves with a source of supply. in its end. portions, and pairs of opposed electric PAUL MEEHAN.

contacts mounted in said grooves and adapted to be bridged by an animal entering the cylinder. 15 

